THE TIMES’ RANKINGS

A look at the top 10 boys’ volleyball teams in the Southland:

1. Mira Costa (3-0)

UCLA-bound middle blocker Pat Nihipali is averaging more than six kills per game. (No. 1 last week)

2. Santa Ynez (2-0)

Score one for the small schools: Pirates defeat Royal in a nonleague match. (6)

3. Royal (7-3)

Second-place showing at San Diego tournament keeps Highlanders from falling to low places. (5)

4. Loyola (4-2)

Cubs recover from Mira Costa loss to finish third at San Diego tournament. (2)

5. Edison (5-1)

Chargers show they’re for real with fourth-place finish at San Diego. (9)

6. Woodbridge (4-1)

Things are looking up for the Warriors, the tallest team around. (10)

7. Marina (6-2)

Inspiring four-game victory over La Costa Canyon overshadowed by poor performance at San Diego. (3)

8. Newport Harbor (4-2)

Brian Gaeta looks as healthy as can be for the Sailors. (8)

9. Valencia (2-0)

Vikings conquer new territory with nonleague victory over Royal. (NR)

10. Northwood (2-0)

Timberwolves win Foothill tournament, defeat San Clemente. (NR)